Blind spots are locations around a moving vehicle that are not captured in the vehicle’s side or rear-view mirrors. If a driver cannot see a vehicle next to his, he or she is more likely to crash into the other vehicle when switching lanes. Fortunately, there are several ways to lower your risk of getting into a blind spot accident.
If you were injured in a blind spot accident, our licensed Macon car accident lawyers can assist you. We can help hold the negligent driver accountable by pursuing maximum compensation against him or her for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Reducing Your Risk of a Crash
It may not be possible to eliminate all blind spots around your vehicle. However, there are things you can do to make your blind spots smaller.
Properly adjusting your mirrors can help to eliminate blind spots on the left and right sides around your vehicle. Most drivers tend to position each side view mirror so they can see the rear of their vehicle. However, you should move the mirror out away from your vehicle so you can see more of the lane right next to you. This allows you to see other vehicles in your mirrors until they are right next to you and you can see them with your peripheral vision without having to turn your head away from the road.
If your mirrors are turned toward your car, you will have to do an exaggerated head turn to check your blind spot before changing lanes. This is dangerous because the vehicle in front of you could come to a sudden stop and you will not see it. This dramatically increases your risk of a rear-end collision. With your mirrors positioned properly, you will only need to do a slight head turn and will still be able to see what is in front of you.
An added bonus of positioning your side view mirrors this way is that it eliminates glare from the headlights of cars behind you.
Once you have your mirrors properly adjusted, you will have to get used to relying on them instead of turning your head to look over your shoulder. However, over time, relying on your mirrors will become a habit.
You also need to be conscious of other drivers’ blind spots, especially those of truck drivers because they are much larger and a crash with a truck could cause severe injuries. As much as possible, avoid other vehicles’ blind spots, either slow down or change lanes to get out of another driver’s blind spot.
You should not expect other drivers to use the same safe-driving behaviors you do to prevent a crash. If you want to be a defensive driver, you need to assume other drivers will act recklessly and take steps to avoid being a victim of that recklessness.
Contact a Lawyer for Help with Your Claim
If you were injured in a blind spot accident, it is important to seek the legal guidance of an experienced attorney. Our licensed Macon personal injury lawyers can discuss the merits of your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. We can inform you if it may be possible to seek compensation for the damages that you have suffered, including your medical expenses, property damages, lost wages and pain and suffering.